The Emblems of Ancient Israel

Question?   -   Newsletter   -   New!
How are certain tribal emblems, given to ancient Israel by God, related to the modern nations of England and America? What do these symbols tells us about two of the greatest world powers to have ever existed?

In the coat-of-arms or emblems of England we find a unicorn and a lion, symbols given to ancient Israel as part of being blessed. Within the seal is what is known as the 'harp of David.' This came to the country by the tribes of Simeon and Dan. Both the unicorn and lion belong to Israel and to Judah. Moses, just before he died, said the following regarding the birthright blessings bestowed to Joseph.

Joseph has the strength of a bull, the horns of a wild ox (the King James Bible translates 'ox' as 'unicorn'). His horns are Manasseh’s thousands and Ephraim’s ten thousands. With them he gores the nations and pushes them to the ends of the earth (Deuteronomy 33:17).

England also has emblems which, in reality, are a copy of Ephraim's cake which is made by using a cross.

The Bible states that Israel's ancient tribes of Manasseh and Ephraim are two distinct groups of people who received their inheritance in the promised land by lot (Joshua 14:4 - 5).

Ephraim's Cake
Emblem of Ephraim's Cake

Ephraim and Manasseh, both partakers of God birthright blessings, were to live with each other until they had become a multitude on the earth, after which one of them was to separate and become its own distinct great nation.

Joseph is a fruitful bough . . . (Genesis 49:22).

And for the precious things of the earth and fullness of it, and for the good will of Him Who dwelt in the bush. Let the blessing come on the head of Joseph, and on the top of the head of him who was separated . . . (Deuteronomy 33:16).

When the tribes of Manasseh and of Ephraim separated, Manasseh (the United States of America) had only thirteen states. The number thirteen plays a significant role in the country's emblems.

The flag initially chosen for America when it was first formed had 13 stars and bars. The bars symbolize the Union of the country, and the 13 stars symbolized the nation starting as a union of 13 independent colonies. The bundle of 13 arrows in the United States seal represents the power to make war. They were in Israel's heraldry, as well as both the Lion and the Unicorn.

The people of Joseph were known for their ability to handle a bow and make war. One of the greatest strengths of America is the ability to 'shoot its arrows' anywhere in the world. Although at times attacked by enemies, America is able to more than defend itself because of the following.

his arms are made strong by the power of the Mighty God of Jacob (Genesis 49:23 - 24).

The eagle that is spread in the United States' national emblem has 13 pieces which are united at the top. God said to Abraham "Do not be afraid, Abram. I will shield you from danger and give you a great reward" (Genesis 15:1).

National Seal of the United States of America
Emblem front of the National
Seal of the United States

Above the wings and scroll in America's national seal is a cloud emitting rays of glory. This imagery is illuded to in the Bible when Aaron states, "behold the Glory of the Lord appeared in the Cloud" (Exodus 16:10). It was this glory cloud which was over Israel and which guided them after leaving Egypt.

Also note that near the top of America's national seal or emblem is a constellation of 13 stars (planets) on a field of an azure sky. This is the same number of planets that appeared in the dream of Joseph that got him separate from his family. Also notice in the seal a pyramid, which represents the birth location of Manasseh and Ephraim in ancient Egypt. The national Crest of England has that other great monument of Egypt, the Sphinx, on its reverse side. It is through such symbols that they people identify themselves as the holders of the blessings of Abraham and Israel.

Just before he died Jacob (Israel) gave Judah the Lion as a symbol of their ruling power.

Judah is a lion's whelp . . . he crouched like a lion; and like a lioness, who shall rouse him? (Genesis 49:9).

Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom,
Great Britain and Northern Ireland
used by Queen Anne

The fact that we find the ancient Israel symbols of Judah's Lion with the Unicorn of Ephraim in the national emblem of the British, or covenant, people is another evidence that the royal remnant of King David's house found their way to Ephraim. This occurred at the time of the uprooting of the Pharez line, who was then, as now, living in the isles of the northwest.

Recommended Articles
Unicorns in the Bible!
What is the Star of David?
What Is the Fate of America?
Did a Well for Dragons Exist?
Where Are Israel's Lost Tribes Today?
Lineage from Adam to King of England
What Is the Key of David?
Mythical Animals in Scripture